CVE-2018-7936 in Mate 10 Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Mate 10 Pro Huawei smart phones with the versions before BLA-L29 8.0.0.148(C432) have a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass security vulnerability. When re-configuring the mobile phone using the factory reset protection (FRP) function, an attacker can connect the phone with PC and send special instructions to install third party desktop and disable the boot wizard. As a result, the FRP function is bypassed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2023
The CVE-2018-7936 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Huawei Mate 10 Pro smartphones running firmware versions prior to BLA-L29 8.0.0.148(C432). This vulnerability specifically targets the Factory Reset Protection mechanism, which is designed to prevent unauthorized access to devices following a factory reset operation. The flaw creates a significant backdoor that allows attackers to circumvent the device's built-in security controls, effectively undermining the fundamental security posture of the smartphone. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the device's connection protocols and boot sequence, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device itself.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted sequence of instructions that can be transmitted from a connected PC to the mobile device during the reconfiguration process. When an attacker connects the vulnerable Huawei Mate 10 Pro to a computer, they can send specialized commands that manipulate the device's boot wizard functionality. This manipulation allows for the installation of third-party desktop applications that are typically restricted during normal operation. The vulnerability essentially creates an execution path that bypasses the normal security checks that would otherwise prevent such installations, effectively disabling the FRP protection mechanism. This flaw aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically targeting inadequate access controls during device boot and reconfiguration processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple security bypass. Once exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the device's boot process, allowing them to install malicious software, modify system files, or completely disable the FRP protection that is meant to prevent unauthorized use after theft or loss. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely through the USB connection interface, meaning that an attacker could potentially compromise a device simply by having physical access to connect it to a malicious computer. This creates a significant risk for users who may inadvertently connect their devices to untrusted computers or who are targeted by social engineering attacks designed to gain physical access to their devices. The attack vector is classified under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it involves the execution of specialized commands to manipulate device functionality.
The implications of this vulnerability are severe for both individual users and enterprise environments where Huawei devices may be deployed. Users who lose their devices or have them stolen face a significant risk of unauthorized access, as the FRP protection that should prevent such access is completely bypassed. For enterprise environments, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk as stolen company devices could be easily compromised, potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized access to corporate networks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper firmware update management, as the issue was resolved in firmware version BLA-L29 8.0.0.148(C432) through enhanced boot sequence validation and stricter access controls. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that include mandatory firmware updates and regular security assessments to protect against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process requires users to update their devices to the patched firmware version while also implementing additional security measures such as encrypted storage and remote wipe capabilities to mitigate potential exploitation scenarios.